The 80th episode of the NHK morning drama "Bakeke" (General TV, Monday to Saturday 8:00 AM and other times), starring Akari Takaishi, was broadcast on January 23rd. In this episode, Shoda Takichi, played by Shogo Hama, makes a reappearance. Viewers' attention was drawn to Nishikori (Ryo Yoshizawa), who avoids Shoda.
In episode 80, Sawa (Marui Wan) is studying at the Shiratori Club to get her teaching qualification. Toki (Takaishi) visits her, but Sawa seems somewhat cold towards him. Toki is curious about Sawa's condition, but while Yamahashi (Emoto Tokio) and others are talking to her, Sawa leaves the club.
Around that time, Nishikori is informed by the governor (Shiro Sano) of the name of his successor as English teacher. The name mentioned is Nishikori's friend, Takichi Shoda. Nishikori's expression becomes tense.
Later, Nishikori visits the Western restaurant run by Yamahashi with Heaven (Tommy Bastow) and broaches the topic. Nishikori shows Heaven Shoda's personal history and says, "I was wondering if this guy could be my replacement English teacher when I become principal..." Nishikori explains to Heaven, who cannot read Japanese, that "he was my classmate when I was a student at Matsue Junior High School." When Heaven says "friend," Nishikori replies, "Well, we were together in Tokyo too..." Heaven says, "I see... that's a good idea," and Nishikori frowns and says, "Yeah..."
Yamahashi, who had overheard the two of them, told Nishikori that Shoda was at the Shiratori Club on the second floor. When Yamahashi asked, "Shall I call him?", Nishikori replied, "No, thank you," with a complicated expression on his face.
On social media, comments such as "Did something happen with Shoda?", "I'm curious about Nishikori's past," and "What is Nishikori really trying to do with Shoda?" were posted, along with other speculations such as "Does it have to do with the teacher's exam?", "They got along fine when they were in Tokyo, so I guess it has to do with the exam he took back then," "Did some trouble occur when they were in Tokyo?", "Does it seem like his complexes have been triggered?" and "It'd be funny if he was jealous that Heaven-sensei was taken away from him."
